Display device



Patented Feb. 27, 1940 ie r oFrIcs This invention relates to improvements in display signs and is directed more particularly to improvements in a novel display apparatus constructed to be capable of presenting a multiplicity of different representations successively.

It is one of the principal objects of myinven tion to provide a display device which is adapted to attract the attentionof passersby by virtue of certain novel and unique effects which it produces. As special features, it contains parts m.ov-

able relative to one another arranged'to permit changing of the display when desired and, in some cases, the sign is automatically changed at predetermined intervals.

Other prime objects include the provision of a display device which is relatively, simple. in its construction so as to be economical in its manufacture yet its construction is such that it is reliable in its operation in accordance with the demands of creative display manufacturers.

Various other novel features, advantages and objects of my invention will be hereinafter more fully described and referred to in connection with the accompanying description, reference being had to the drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the device of the invention; I

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational View of the device of the invention; and 1 Fig. 3 is a sectional elevated view of the device taken along the line 33 in Fig. 2.

Referring to the drawing more in detail, the invention will now be-fullydescribed. Like numerals in different figures refer to like parts- The device of the invention is generally contained within a frame or a casing. As shown, a casing is seen to have a front wall i0, side walls H2, at bottom wall Hi and a top wall l6. If it'is desired, a rear wall 23 may also be provided.

A display panel. Ziiis disposed in an opening provided in the front wall ill and the said panel consists of a main panel part'having a frame- Its panel part contains a set or sets of I the panel member "2i! and the'secondary panel is guided "initsmovements by guides 38. The guides 38 lead the secondary panel 39 upwardly and downwardly at a slightly inclined angle relative to the vertical axis of the device for reasons which will hereinafter more fully appear.

The secondary-panel is held secure in its po- 'sition betweenthe guides and the'first-named or adjacent panel 29 by suitable .means such as buttons 39 orxthel ike 'sothat thesecondary panel is reciprocable therein. 4

A motor lil is provided in geared relation with a 12 as by such usual means as a gear 44 and a shaft 45 which rotates the cam relative to the frame or casing.

A bar member 48 is associated with the secondary panel, substantially as shown in Fig. 3, and this overlies the cam in such a way that the cam, when rotated, comes into engagement with the bar member and lifts the bar member 48. The latter being secured to the secondary panel, thus urges the secondary panel upwardly as it itself' is moved upwardly.

It will thus be observed that the secondary panel is caused to slide relative to the stationary panel 20.

With further reference to the sets of light transmitting openings which are provided in each of the panels, the sets are so disposed that one of the sets on the panel 2i] and the corresponding set on the secondary panel 30 are in register when the panels are in one certain relation and out of position when the panels are in another relative position. That is to say, when the secondary panel has reached its uppermost limit, one of the sets of light transmitting openings provided therein coincides with one of the sets of the openings in the panel 29. On the other hand,

, when the secondary panel 30 has reached'its lowermost limit, another of the sets of light transmitting openings provided therein coincides with anotherof the sets of openings in the panel 20 so 'as to produce another and different effect.

The secondary panel is, as stated, preferably I disposed at an angle relative to the other panel for the reason that certain of the openings in the two panels may be located in coinoiding straight vertical lines and in such a case, the effect of suddenly appearing signs is lost.

It will be appreciated that the light transmitting openings in the panels may be arranged to present various designs and that theremay be two or more panels if desired. While in the drawing I have shown the openings as presenting circular and rectangular devices, they may be 

